Bell couple charged in string of burglaries

Thursday

Mar 26, 2009 at 11:14 AM

The arrest of a Bell couple on Wednesday may have solved several recent burglaries in Columbia and Suwannee counties.

By Karen VoylesStaff Writer

The arrest of a Bell couple on Wednesday may have solved several recent burglaries in Columbia and Suwannee counties. Suwannee County sheriff’s deputies arrested William Ray Sheppard, 32, and Penny Lane Sheppard, 34, and charged them with multiple counts of burglary while armed, burglary of a dwelling, grand theft, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, and possession of prescription drugs without a prescription. William was also charged with driving without a license and fleeing and eluding police. The couple is suspected of breaking into several residences in Suwannee and Columbia counties since March 12. Suwannee County officials said the couple is suspected of breaking into at least four residences and taking approximately $64,000 worth of electronics and other items from the homes.Deputies said they caught up with the couple when one of the victim’s arrived home to find the Sheppards inside their home and called 911. Following a brief chase, a Suwannee County deputy stopped the couple and arrested them. A search of the car reportedly turned up prescription drugs, burglary tools and items reported stolen from the home where they were discovered. The two were being held at the Suwannee County Jail on Thursday.